Lost in Math

How Beauty Leads Physics Astray

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Mathematical Physics, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, History
Cover of the book Lost in Math by Sabine Hossenfelder, Basic Books
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Author: Sabine Hossenfelder ISBN: 9780465094264
Publisher: Basic Books Publication: June 12, 2018
Imprint: Basic Books Language: English
Author: Sabine Hossenfelder
ISBN: 9780465094264
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication: June 12, 2018
Imprint: Basic Books
Language: English

A contrarian argues that modern physicists' obsession with beauty has given us wonderful math but bad science

Whether pondering black holes or predicting discoveries at CERN, physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant, and this standard separates popular theories from disposable ones. This is why, Sabine Hossenfelder argues, we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades. The belief in beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity: observation has been unable to confirm mindboggling theories, like supersymmetry or grand unification, invented by physicists based on aesthetic criteria. Worse, these "too good to not be true" theories are actually untestable and they have left the field in a cul-de-sac. To escape, physicists must rethink their methods. Only by embracing reality as it is can science discover the truth.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A contrarian argues that modern physicists' obsession with beauty has given us wonderful math but bad science

Whether pondering black holes or predicting discoveries at CERN, physicists believe the best theories are beautiful, natural, and elegant, and this standard separates popular theories from disposable ones. This is why, Sabine Hossenfelder argues, we have not seen a major breakthrough in the foundations of physics for more than four decades. The belief in beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity: observation has been unable to confirm mindboggling theories, like supersymmetry or grand unification, invented by physicists based on aesthetic criteria. Worse, these "too good to not be true" theories are actually untestable and they have left the field in a cul-de-sac. To escape, physicists must rethink their methods. Only by embracing reality as it is can science discover the truth.

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